Valve



4115. lr- 1f,

'` '"l- A INVENTOR.

Feb. 14, 1939. s. 1 NORDSTROM 2,146,910

' VALVE Original Filed J-uly 25, `1953 5 Sheets-Sheet l Fgl Feb.-14,1939 s J. NORDSTROM `2,146,910

, VALVE Original Filed July 25. 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 F 3, E f g l? z 172e.

. j /22 Il 21 1 ijf?. 11o

u 4o i6 4 I NV EN TOR. SVEN d. NORDSTROM A TTORA s.. .1. NORDSTROM'2,146,910

VALVE Feb. 14, 1939.

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 y original Filed July 25, 1935 Il -eeer 213 INVENTOR.SVEN Ll NoRDS TRoM Q10 946249 BVE r '(91 ATTORl/'EY Patented Feb. 14,1939 UNITED STATES vALvE Sven J. Nordstrom, Piedmont, Calif., assignorto Merco Nordstrom Valve' Company, Pittsburgh,

Pa., a corporation of Delaware Continuation of `application Serial No.682,136,v .July 25, 1933. This application May 25, 1936,

Serial No. 81,751

21 claims. (c1. 251-93) 'I'he present invention relates to improvementsin valve structures and particularly to preventing leakage of line iiuidout along the operating stem of the valve. rThe invention is especiallyapplicable to plug valves,and as embodied in valves of this type, itfurther relates to preventing leakage of line fluid past the plug. Thisapplication is a continuation of my copending application -led July 25,1933, Serial No. 682,136 for Plug valve.

In valves in common use the seal between the operating stem or spindleof the valve and the valve body or casing is eiected by fibrous orsimilar packing. The use of this type of packing l5 around the stemincreases the resistance to turning and requiresv frequent adjustmentand renewal of the packing to maintain auid ti'ght joint. inate the useof iibrous packing material around 20 the stem by providing the stemwith a tapered surface which seats against a similar tapered surface onthe casing. However, such prior `de- '30 of plug valves in most commonuse wherein lubri cant pressure is utilized to unseat the plug forrotation, the plug is resiliently urged into its seat by the fibrous orsimilar packing which also serves the purpose of sealing the stem. Thus,

` 35' each time the'packing is adjusted to prevent leakage past thestem, the resilient pressure exerted on the plug for seating the stemlikewise is varied, and when the packing is adjusted to exert the properpressure on the plugl for seating the 40l stem, the packing aroundthe-stem may be too loose to prevent leakage, or too tight to allow freeturning. Thus, it is difcult to control the compression of the packingwithinthe accurate limits required for the best service. 45 Theinvention obviates the necessity of using fibrous or like packingmaterial and at the same time p vides an effective seal havingadvantages over known types. In accordance with the pres nt invention, Iprovide la valve stem having 50 a laterally extding portion such as afia-nge or tapered part/ coacting with a correspondingly shaped sealingsurface, and lubricant underpresn sure is introduced therebetween tolubricate th.-

lstem, prevent' leakage, and decrease resistancetd 55 turning. Theinvention'i's particularly applicable It has heretofore been proposed'to elimto plug valves in which the plug is jacked from its seat topermit easy turning, and as so applied.,v I preferably provide separateadjustable resilient means to urge the plug into its seat to provide therequired seating pressure on the plug that 5 is independent of the sternsealing means. The stm may be separate from the` plug, or in certaininstances may be .integral therewith. The plug is maintained on its seatby aresilienti metal cover forming an outer wall of the casing, the 1.0cover having the necessary elasticity and strength required to seat thevalve against line pressure,

and against the lubricant pressure developed in .unseating or jackingthe plug, the pressure of the cover against the plug being madeadjustable in any suitable manner.

In the preferred embodiment, and especially in \the' larger sizes ofvalves, I provide 'novel power `multiplying means, the Working parts of`which are housed in the valve body and arel thus protectedand may belubricated, together with an vexternal indicator tol show the positionofV the valve.

' In the preferred specic embodiment of my in7 vention I provide a plugvalve in which the stem -source of lubricant pressure incertainpositions of the plug.

Accordingly, it is an object of. the present in-l vention to provide avalve having an operating- 40 stem with a sealing surface thereoncooperating with a sealing surface associated with the casing, andhaving means for introducing viscous lubril cant under pressure betweenthe sealing surfaces to lubricate the same and prevent leakagetherebetween to the exterior.

, Another object of the invention isthe provision -of a plug valvehaving any operating .stem with a tapered sealing surface thereoncooperating with a tapered sealing surface on the casing, lubricant.under pressure being introduced therebetween for lubrication and toprevent leakag Another object of the invention is the provision of aVvalve having an operating stem with 'a sealing surface thereoncooperating with a sealing thereof, so that a check valve need not beemployed to prevent'reiiuxing of lubricant.

Still another object of the Iinvention is the provision of a plug valvehaving a system of lubricant grooves in the seating surfaces of the plugand casing providing asubstantially closed circuit lubricating-'systemat each end of the port in the plug in closed position, and which .maybe disconnected from the source of lubricant pressure in going betweenopen and closed positions.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a plug valve havinga lubricant chamber for jacking the plug from its seat which maybedisconnected from the source of lubricant pressure.

Still a further object. of the invention is the i provision in alubricating valve of separate sealing means for the valve' operatingmeans, as distinct from the lubricant system for lubricating the valveplug and accomplishing the jacking thereof, wherein diilerent lubricantsof the most advantageous characteristics may be employed in connectionwith lubrication of the valve and of its operating means to moreeiectively insure against the possibility of leakage, particularly whensubjected to relatively high pressure.

Still a further object of my invention is to i provide novel powermultiplying mechanism for valve structures, the working parts of whichare *housed in the valve bodyand may be lubricated,

so that no ilbrousv packing means is required to prevent leakage of thefluid past the joint between the operating mechanisms and\ the valvebody.

Still another object of my present invention is the provision `of a plugvalve having a plug and a separate tapered operating stem, a lost motionarrangement being provided between the plug and the loperating stem,whereby the stem can be jacked oi its seat and rotated slightly tospread a lubricant film thereover, and thereafter permit the plug to bejacked from its seat in the valve casing Still another object of mypresent invention is.,

the' provision vof a novel plug valve, wherein a plug and separatetapered operating means is provided therefor, jacking means beingprovided in connection with the valve, and operating to jack the'taperedstem oi its seat and turn it v slightly to spread a lubricant iilmthereover, and thereafter operating to jack the plug from its seat andeilectv rotation thereof through operation -oi the tapered operatingstem.

Still a further object of my invention is the provision of a plug valvehaving a plug in a valve casing and a separate tapered operating stemfor said plug mounted in the casing, together with substantially closedcircuitlubricant grooves surrounding the valve ports in open and closedposition, and means associated therewith for jacking both the plug andthe tapered operating stem from their respective seats.

j A further object of my invention is the provision of a novel-plugvalve having a tapered Vision of a compact valve in relatively largesizes operating stem separate from the valve plug and tted into atapered bearing, whereby leakage around the stem is prevented, andwherein the operating stem is associated with suitable jacking meanswhereby it may be jacked from its bearing 5 or seat to permit easyturning thereof by a portion ofthe movement ordinarily required tooperate the plug. v

Among other objects of my invention is the prol0 having enclosed gearingwhich is easy to operate, simple in construction and is characterized by'relatively few parts. These and other objects will be, apparent from aconsideration of the annexed drawings taken in connection with thedescription and in which:

Figure 1 is a section on line I-I of Figure 2 of a valve built accordingto one modiilcation of the invention with the plug shown in elevation.

Figure 2 is a section on line II-II of Figure 1. A Figure 3 is acomposite section on line III- III of Figure 4 of a furthermodificationshowing the plug in closed position.

Figure.4 is a section taken online IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is aisection of a modification.

Figure 6 is a vertical section of a modification showing a separateoperating stem for operation With a wrench. l

Figure 7 is a section taken on line VII--VII of 30 Figure 6.

Figure 8 is arsection taken on line VIII-VIII of Figure 6, with thevalve in open position. o

Figure 9 is an elevation in plan with the wrench adapter in place.

Figure 10 is a section on line VIH- VIII of Figure 6 when the valve isin closed position; and Figure 11 is a Vsection on line VIII- VIII ofFigure 6, the stem being in intermediate position.

vReferring to the drawings Figure 1, the invention comprises a body orcasing I0, provided with a passageway Il for flow of line fluid. Alsoformed Within the casing and extending trans versely-of the passagewayIl, is a bore I2 which `forms a tapered or conical seat. Disposed withinseat l2 there is a conical plug I3, provided with a hole I4 therethroughadapted to register with passageway Il in open position of the valve. Achamber I6 is provided at the bottom of the plug, and at the topV isformed a chamber I1 defined vbetween the casing walls andthe cover plateI8 held in place at' its margin by studs I9.

'I'he plug i3 is adapted to be rotated in its seat to open or closedposition by the segmental.

worm gear 2| seated on the plug I3 and cooperatthe casing. The plugllhas formed at its top an upstanding square stub 28 about which isfitted the worm gear 2|, and pins 29 tted in cooperating holes in theworm gear and plug form a driving connection therebetween. A sealingdiaphragm 3| is clamped between the cover l and a shoulder '32 rat thetop of casing I0. The plug is pressed into its seat by an adjustmentscrew 33 threaded through a threaded borein the cover I8 and has one endbearing against a thrust seat 34, Athrough the interposed diaphragm 3|.Ball bearings are interposed between the thrust seat and the top of thegear v2| and rest upon shims 70 provided having a suitable check valvetherein and a screw for. developing lubricant pressure. The lubricant isintroduced into chamber I6 below the plug, wherein the main jackingforce is concentratedthrough this fitting. Theseat I2 has connectinggrooves 36 communicating with,v

the chamber I 6 and 'with two` pairs of vertical lubricant grooves31,'31' in the surface of the plug. The groovesl 31 are disposed on theplug so that in the open or closed position thereof they communicatewith the connecting grooves 36 at the bottom, and they communicate atthe top of the plug in all positions with the ends of thecircumferential groove 38 in the plug. The grooves 31 likewisecommunicate with the connecting grooves 36 in the open or closedposition and with the ends of circumferential groove 38' at the vtop ofAthe plug diametrically opposite groove 38. The ends of grooves'38 and38' at the top of the plugdo not meet. Preferably the vertical grooves31 and 31 are attenuated so as to resist the ilow of lubricanttherethrough and produce a delay or lag in the lubricant pressuretransmitted therethrough from the chamber I6. Additional sealing effectto prevent leakage past the top of the plug can be provided by thehelical attenuated groove 39 which begins at one end of groove 38 andcircumscribes the plug terminating at the top thereof whereby lubricantcan nd its way into chamber I1 from chamber I6. By reason of theattenuated form of the grooves 31, 31' and 39 the pressure of thelubricant above the plug lags behind that in chamber I6 so as not tointerfere with the jacking of the plug when lubricant pressure isapplied at chamber I6.

The cover I8 is inherently resilientV and to secure sufficient strengthandA resiliency in the cover it is formed preferably as a steel forgingor steel casting of suitable thickness. The adjustment screw 33 can beadjusted inwardly or outwardly by turning in the proper direction todevelop the desired stresses in the spring cover I8. to resiliently holdthe plug I3 in its seat against the action of line fluid or lubricantpressure. The adjustment screw 33 can be covered by a cap 34 threadedthereon which serves the purpose of concealing the screw 33 and lockingit in adjusted position.

The vertical grooves 31 and 31' communicate with the grooves 36 in thecasing only in the open or closed position of the valve, and inintermediate positions there is no communication between groo`ves 31, 31and chamber I6. In order to prevent over-running of the plug uponturning, the worm gear 2i has projecting stop portions 4|,

4I cooperating with the stop 4'2 on the interior n of the casing inchamber I1 .which limit rotation of the plug to an 'arc of about 98. Theworm 22 for turning the plug is secured to the shaft 26 by a key 43 orother suitable means and spacing collars 44 and 45 are secured .thereonat either end of -the worm to takeup play in the worm shaft. The shaft26 is journalled in a ball bearing 46 at one end 41 thereof operating inconjunction with thrust member 56 located in the bore 48 in the extendedportion 49 of the casing I8 which forms agear chamber, and at its otherend is journalled in the similar bearing I. 'I'he bearing member 46comprises concentric race members 52 and 53 between which are locatedthe balls 54. A threaded stem 55 extends from the thrust member 56 atone end of the bore 48 through a plate 56' and has a nut 51 thereon. Byturning the nut onto the stem 55 the thrust member 56 is brought intoabutment with the stop -shmuder stand isnel'd iri''thispsmon. A

. thrust washerfor gasket 59f'canbe`-lplaced ybetweenl this shoulder`and the bearing; cap for taking up wear and preventingleakagetherethrough. At the other end 16|'.off,tlieshatj26 the? similar bearingmember 5I-corisistsoftheraces 62 and 63 located. in the'-bore ,4,8.-andzbetween. which are locatedthe balls164sf j v A bonnet",member 65,whichalso' actsvas an operating,y stembearing, is located at 'one end of'the bore 48 and is 'secured tothe casing extension 49 by studs 66 orother means; v The end 6I of j the Worm shaft has agroovefoi kerf 61therein whichcooperates .with a similarshaped rectangular tongue 68at-'the inner end of. operating shaft 21, the latter., veingfjurnallediiijithe bonnet 65. An extended sleeve; or hub 69on the bonnet 65 andgroove coupling between the shafts 26 and 21 `the shaft 26` can berotated by turning the` cooperates with' the bearing 5I to hold it.against outward movement, and the bonnet may be prooperating shaft 21by means of the operating wheel 13 at the end thereof.

It will be'observed that the bonnet B5 has a generally' stepped taperedbore 14 therein and that the operating shaft 21 is similarly tapered.The shaft 21 preferably is lapped into the bore 14 which forms a seattherefor, and the shaft 21 is held in its seat by the action of the coilspring 15 located in a recess 16 at the end 6I of the Ashaft 26 pressingagainst the tongue 68 on the shaft 21. With this construction no packingis needed for the operating stern v21 as the lapped seat between thestem 21 and the bore 14 provide a perfect seal. The seat 14 may bestepped as indicated at 11 to reduce the area of Contact between theshaft 21 and seat or bearing 14', and to provide chambers 80 for sealingplastic or lubricant. In order to reduce friction between the shaft 21and its seat 14, and to release the shaft 21 for turning in case itbecomes jammed into its tapered seat, lubrication and jacking means areprovided comprising a suitable threaded'borel 18 i extending through theoperating shaft having a check valve 19 therein, and a connectingbore 8lcommunicating with chamber l88.] A screw 82 sary pressure for feedingviscous yplastic -or lubricant thereto. If desired a 'second lubricatingassembly can be provided comprising a bore 83 in the bonnet memberhaving a check valve 84 therein and having a similar lubricant screw 82threaded into the bore 83. Because of the taper of the stem 21, -thelongitudinal component of lubricant pressure in the chambers 80 jacksthe stem inwardly to free it from its seat, while at the same time thelubricant forms a plastic seall to prevent leakage and lubricates thebearing.

The bonnet 65 has a hub portion 85 externally threaded as at 86 uponwhich is threaded a collar 81v having an arm 88 extending longitudinallyoutward through a recess in a spoke of the operating wheel 13. Rotationo'f oper'atingwheel 13 to open 'or close the valve will rotate the arm88 and collar 81 causing the arm 88 to advance or recede an amountcorresponding to the extent of rotation of the plug I3, and suitableindicia may be provided thereon to indicate the full open, full closedor any intermediate position of the valve plug I3.

scribed. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the valve isv in closed positionbecause the port I4 in the plug I3 is cut off from communication withthe passage The stop 4| on the segmental worm gear 2| is abutting thestop 42 on the casing thereby preventing clockwise rotation of the plugas seen in Figure 2, and the indicia on the arm 88 shows the valve inclosed position. To open the valve the operative rotates the wheel 13 ina counterclockwise direction thereby rotating the operating stem 21,worm shaft 26, and segmental wormgear 2|-in a counterclockwisedirectionto open the valve. If it is desired to fully open the valve theoperating wheel is given a number of turns. At full open position thestop member 4| on the segmental worm wheel 2| abuts the stop 42 on thecasing and the arm 88 has moved out and indicates to the operative thatthe valve is in open position. The wormV and segmental worm gear providea compact mechanical advantage to facilitate operation of the valve.

The operating handle 13 may be difcult orlmpossible to turn manually dueto the valve plug I3 being corroded into its seat or wedged therein, orthe operating stem 21 being stuck in its bearing. The plug I3 can bereleased from its seatv by turning the lubricant screw in the fitting 40(Figure 3) to generate lubricant pressure in chamber |6 which jacks theplug from its seat. The upward movement of the plug is l-'mited byproper adjustment of the screw 33 and reaction of resilient cover I8 topermit a film of lubricant to enter between 'the plug and its seat. -`Atthe same time lubricant is forced up through the connecting channels 36and attentuated grooves 31, 31 to the circumferential grooves 38, 38 andspreads over the seat and through the attenuated groove 39 to the topofthe plug. In this way the plug seat I2 becomes covered with a film oflubricant that spreads from the aforementioned grooves over I theseating surfaces and the ports in the valve plug and casing aresurrounded by a lubricant seal in the grooves and bottom chamber |6, aslubricant also finds its way upward along the seat I2 from the chamberI6 when the plug is jacked.

By turning the lubricant screws 82 lubricant under pressure'isintroduced into the chamber 8|), and as the stem 21is taperedthelongitudinal component of the pressure will move the stem 21longitudinally to free it from the seat 14 and at the same timeha sealof viscous lubricant is spread over the faces of the stem 21 and seat14. lubricant seal enables easy turning of the stem 21 and because ofits high viscosity it will remain in place for a long time and preventleakage therethrough. The gearing in chamber I1 is lubricated by thelubricant which nds its way in throughv channel 39 and between the stem21 and its seat or separate lubricant means therefor can be provided.

In the 4modification shown in Figures 3 and 4 wherein like referencecharacters denote like parts, the plug I3 has a similar gear segment 2|at one end keyed thereto and which is operated This lavranno coil spring||8 which abutsthe end III of the` shaft ||0 and the end'wall of bore||1. By removing the tapered threaded plug I |9 lubricant can beinserted through the opening into the gear chamber in any suitablemanner. g

The reduced portion ||2 of the shaft I|0 provides a shoulder |23 thereonwhich abuts the annularsurface'i24 of the metal packing washer |25, andthe spring I|8 constantly urges these surfaces into engagement. A bonnetmember |26 bolted or otherwise secured to the casing extension 49 has'asleeve portion |21 which nts into bore 48. The packing member |25 is`located in a* bore |28 at the inner endof the bonnet sleeve, and areduced bore |30 is provided in the bonnet into which the hub |29 ofpacking member |25 extends. If desired suitable resilient packingwashers or gaskets |3| can be inserted between the metal packing member|25 and the shoulder |25' formed on bonnet |26 between the bores |28 20and |30. An indicator sleeve |32 is rloosely threaded into a threadedcounterbore |33 of the lbonnet member and is slidably keyed to the shaft||2 so that rotation of the shaft 2 causes the indicator sleeve |32 totelescope into or out of the 25 threaded counterbore to indicate whetherthe valve is in open or closed position.

As in the modification shown in Figures 3 and 4 the valve plug |3 isrotated in its seat to open or closed position by operation of the handwheel 30 and operating shaft ||2, the operating shaft in this instancebeing integral with the worm shaft. Sealing of the operating stem I2against leakage is provided at one end by the shoulder |23 abutting theannular surface |24 on the metal 35 packing or washer |25. This jointmay be ground if desired, and is surrounded by viscous lubricant whichis supplied to the operating `gearing 'and associated parts through theattenuated lubricant groove 39 in the plug in communication with groove38. However, if desired, lubricant can be introduced into' the gearchamber by a fitting in the stem similar to fitting 18. 'I'he lubricantlikewise provides a sealbetween shoulders 58 and Il of the bearing capH6, thereby eliminating need for any packing for the valve operatingstem or valve stem.

The valve plug in Figures 1 to 5 has a conduit |35 bored therethroughcommunicating with the port |4 at one end and at its other end extendingthrough square stub 28. The gear 2| has a bore |36 therethrough whichcommunicates with the gearing chamber. A one way check valve |31 locatedin the conduit |35 will open in one direction to permit lubricant toescape into port |4 should the pressure in the gear chamber become toogreat, but will not permit line fluid to enter the gear chamber.

The modiflcation shown in Figure 5 shows still another arrangementembodying an operating 50 stem |50 which is operatively coupled to theworm shaft 26 through a tongue and groove connection 68, |51.I Thebonnet member |53 has a bore |54 therein in which is located theoperating shaft sleeve |55 having a flange or shoulder |56 at the 05inner end thereof to provide a fiat annular seat |51. The operatingshaft is journalled' in and extends through sleeve and the enlargedportion |52 provides a shoulder |58 cooperating with annular face orseat |51 to provide a seal. A 70 gasket |59 is inserted between theflange |56 and 4 the internal shoulder |6| of the bonnet member. Theouter end of sleeve |55 is threaded to receive the .indicator member 81.A recess |62 isV provided in the sleeve |56 to receive lubricant which75 may be introduced through a fitting |63 in the bonnet member.

tains the shoulders |51v and |58 pressed together to provide a sealedjoint at low lubricant pressures in the gear chamber. When lubricantunder pressure or line fluid is introduced into the Agear chamber thefluid pressure firmly presses the shoulders |51 and |58 together andlikewise acts as a plastic seal to prevent .escape of fluidtherebetween. Further sealing and lubrication of the operating stem |50is provided by the circumferential groove |62 and lubricating fitting|63. If desired a separate lubrication fitting can be provided for thegearing chamber. f

In addition to the advantages so far pointed out it will be seen thatthe constructions described provide a simple and compact assembly ofworking parts that can be removed readily and are easily accessible forreplacement or repair. In each modification the bonnet member can beremoved bringing with it the operating shaft unit which thus releasesthe worm shaft assembly which likewise can be removed as a unit. Thiscan be accomplished 'without disturbing the valve plug or its seatingadjustment.

The modification shown in `Figures 6 to 11 i1- lustrates the applicationof the invention to the smaller sizes of valves and embodies theadditional principle of automatic plug jacking. In this modification thecasing 2|0 has a passage 2|| therethrough for line fluid, and atransverse .bore 2 |2 therein provides a seat for the rotatable taperedplug 2|3 vhaving the hole or port 2|2' therethrough. I'he transversebore 2|2 is covered at the larger end of the plug by a cover member 2|8made of inherently resi-lient material such as die forged or Icastste-el, and a'sealing diaphragm 2|9 is clamped between the cover" and aninternal shoulder on the casing. A ball bearing 220 is located in asuitable notch or depression in the large end, of plug 2|3, and a thrustseat member 22| is adapted to cooperate therewith. A threaded plug 222is located in the threaded bore 223 inl the cover 2|8.

From the construction so far described it will be seen that by turningthe threaded adjustment lplug 222 ii is advanced inward against thediaphragm 2|9 and exerts a thrust upon the ball 228 through the thrusttransmitting member 22| to force the valve plug 2|3 into its seat. Asthe cover 2|8 is resilient it permits the plug to be jacked from itsseat by lubricant pressure without disturbing theadjustment of thethreaded plug 222. The force tending to hold plug 2|3 on its seat can beregulated by adjusting the threaded plug 222 inward to increase thepressure of cover 2| 8 or by adjusting the threaded plug 222 outward todecrease the pressure of cover 2|8. In operation, the threaded adjustingplug 222 is set to hold the plug 2|3 in its seat against line pressurevand upon jacking the plug by lubricant pressure enough clearance isprovided to permit the spreading of a lm of viscous lubricant over itsseat.

The lubricating system for the plug 2|3 com prises a lubricant chamber224 formed by the casing and the smaller end' of the plug into whichviscous-lubricant can be Vintroduced under pressure through a suitablefitting 24|. Four short grooves 225 are located in the casing seat incommunication with the chamber 224 and are disposed. about 90 apartequidistant from the passage2|| through the casing. The plug 2|3 hasfour longitudinal grooves 226 in the surface thereof which communicatein pairsA at the large end of the plug with the two inclinedcircumferential grooves 221. By introducing lubricant under pressureinto chamber 2244 in the positionV of the plug v2|3 as shown in Figure6, the plug is jacked slightly from its seat against the resilientresistance of cover 2 I8, and at the same time viscous'lubricant isintroduced into grooves 226 and 221 and distributed or smeared over theface of seat 2|2. In the open position of the plug the grooves do notform a closed circuit surrounding the ports, but in the closed positionthe ports are surrounded by the grooves 226 and 221.

The casing 2|0 is provided at the small end of tapered seat 2|2 with anextended portion 23| in which is located a taperedvbore or bearing 232.A similarly tapered operating member 233 is journalled in this taperedvbearing and has a splined portion 234 at its outer end to receive anadapter 235 keyed thereto or suitable wrench for operatingth'e same. Atits inner end. the operating Astern 2331s provided with a generallyrectangularly shaped stub or tongue 236 lwhich maybe rounded at its endsand which fits into groove 231 in the small end of plug 2|3. The groove231 may be-described as butterfly shaped in cross section. A spring 238ina suitable recess 239 in the inner end of operating stem 233 pressesagainst the plug 2 I3, and maintains the stem 233 seated in taperedbearing 232.

By introducing lubricant under pressure into .chamber 224 by means offitting 24| the plug -2 I3 will be jacked. from its seat, but undercertain circumstances the internal pressure may wedge operating shaft233 into its-seat 232 so tightly as to prevent turning thereof foroperating the valve plug. 'Io obviate this diiiiculty means is providedfor jacking the operating member 233 from its seat to permit rctationthereof.- 'I'he stem 233 has a threaded bore 242 therein for receivinglubricant in stick form, which can be placed under pressure by lubricantscrew243. Adjacent the end of bore 242 are lateral ducts 244communicating therewithand opening into the enlarged circumferentialgroove 245 or chamber which may lie wholly in the stem or bearing y orpartly in both as shown and may be described as lying in the plane ofthe bearing. `By introducing lubricant under pressure into this groovethe vertical component of the pressure acting on the inclined faces ofthe stem and bearing jacks the stem from its seat to permit turningthereof.

` At the same time the bearing face 232 is covered Aor smeared with a lmof viscous lubricant. It

will be understood that the groove 245vmay be of any desired shape. Y

II'he operating stem has at its lower end two spaced vertical grooves246 and 2041 located in its A surfaces and which are in communicationwith the groove or jacking chamber 245. V'I'he bearing surface 232 alsohas two oppositely' disposedgrooves 248 and 249 therein which are shownmore clearly in Figures 6 and 8 out of communication with grooves 246and 241A in the position shown. A circumferential groove 250communicates at one end with groove 248, the other end terminatingshort-of' communication with groove 246 as shown. -After the stem isjacked from its seat with the valve in closed position, the 'stem canturn relative to the plug 2|3 untiljthe side .of stub 236 abuts againstone wall of butterfly groove 231. This turning motion is sufficient tobring the groove 241 into communication with groove 248 throughcircumferentialgroove 250 when the stem is rotated counterclockwise, asviewed in Figure 6, to open the valve so that the lubricant pressuregenerated by screw 243 is onducted through grooves 241 and 248'intolubricant chamber 224 to jack the plug from its seat. Upon continuedrotation of stem 233 in counterclockwise direction the groove 241maintains communication with groove 248 until the en thereof is passedso that during this phase of the stem operation both the stem afi/ivdplug can be jacked simultaneously from their respective seats. 'I'hisalso can be accomplished while groove 246 is in communication withgroove 249. In turning the stem counterclockwise thegroove 241vcooperates with groove 248 to enable-r such jacking action. Thecompression of lubricant inv chamber 231 by rotation of stub 235 thereinlikewise may be employed for jacking the plug from its seat.

The rotation of stem 233 is limited to about 120 by stop 25| whichprojects from the lower end of adapter 235 and cooperates with stops 252and 253 integral with the casing extension 23 I. However, whilestem 233can rotate 120 plug 2| 3 can rotate only 90, as the cooperating stub 236and groove 231 permit approximately 30 play between the operating stemand plug. This is sufcient to permit initial jacking of and rotation ofthe stem before the plug member is turned.

Also, it is possible when the valve is in fuily closed tween. said stemand plug, a cham or opened positions to turn the stem 150 to 30 and thusbring the grooves of the stem into communication with'the grooves in thecasing, andthen the stem can be returned to initialposition to cutoffcommunication with the chamber V224 'and grooves 226 and 221. Thisarrangement also istics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore tobe considered in all respects as illustrative and n ot descriptive, thescope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather ithan by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within themeaning and range I.of

equivalency of the claims are thereforeintended tobe embraced' therein.VWhat is claimed .and desired to be United States I Qette'rsvPatent is:

1. In combination with a plug valve adapted secured by .for use' underrelatively high pressures and having a plug, a casing', a bearingsurface in said casing tapering toward the exterior thereof, a

' tapered operating stem. in said bearing separate from the plug andcapable of longitudinal movement in'said casing,'an operative con ectionber in/ said casing between said stem and the plug adapted toreceive',lubricant under pressure, a 'lubricant lgrovein the plane ofsaid bearing and means to apply lubricant to said groove to seal,lubricate and move said stem against the pressure of lubricant in' saidchamber to release it vfor turning. 2. In a plugI valve. a casing havinga passageway therethrough and/a seat formedtransversely of thepassageway, a valve plug rotatably disposed on said seat, resilientmeans for holding said plu'g on its seat, a sealing surface, alongitudinally movable operating stem separate from said plug and havinga portion of its surface cooperating with said sealing surface toprovide a seal therefor, means `to move said stem longitudinally bylubricant pressure for initial turning thereof, and -means operableafter initial turning of said stem to move the plug longitudinally bylubricant pressure.

3. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough and a seatformed transversely of thepassageway, a valve plug rotatably disposed onsaid seat, resilient means for holding said plug on its seat, a sealingsurface, a longitudinally movable operating stem separate from saidplugand having a portion of its surface cooperating with said sealingsurface to provide a seal therefor, means for introducing lubricantunder pressure for moving said stem longitudinally, and means connectingsaid lubricating means with the plug after initial turning of theoperating member to permit jacking said plug by lubricant, said stem andplug having a lost motion connection to permit initial rotation of thestem before operating the plug.

4. In a plug valve, a casing lhaving a passageway therethrough and aseat formed transversely of the passageway, a valve plug rotatablydispod on said seat, resilient `means for holdingsaid plug on its seat,a tapered sealing surface associated with said casing, a longitudinallymovable tapered operating stem separate from said plug and cooperatingwith said tapered sealing surface to provide a seal therefor, means forintroducing lubricant under pressure for moving said stemlongitudinally, separate means for introducing lubricant to the plug forjacking the plug from its seat, and-means operable upon initial rotationof said stem to connect said first means with the plug for jacking theplug from its seat.

5. In aplug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough and a seat'formed transversely of the-passageway, a valve plug rotatably disposedonvsaid seat, a tapered sealing surface in said casing, a lubricantgroove -in said surface,

longitudinally movable operating stem separate m said plug and havingatapered portion cooperating with said sealing surface to prevent outwardmovement ofv said stem. an operative connection between said plug andstem, resilient means including a bo'dy of lubricant under pressure forholding said cooperating stem portion and sealing surface together, andmeans for applying lubricant under pressure to separate said l surfaceand said tapered portion and provide a seal therebetween.

6. In a plug valve, a casing having `a passageway therethrough for flowoffluid and a 'seat v sealing surfage bearing againstthesealing surfaceof the casing, grooves in the plane of said sealing surfaces arranged tobe connectedwith the reservoir in certain positionsv of the stem, and

be disconnectedl in ether positions of the stem,

. 7. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageoperating stem having atapered sealing surface bearing against the tapered surface of thecasing, there being grooves in the said sealing surfaces,

' a lubricant reservoir in the stem communicating with the grooves inthe tapered sealing surfaces in certain positions, and out 'ofcommunication with said grooves in other positions, there beinglubricant grooves in the seating surface of the plug and casing adaptedto establish communication with the grooves in the tapered surface. l

8. In a plug' valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for flowof uid and a seat formed transversely of the passageway, a valve plugrotatably disposed in said seat, a tapered sealing surface associatedwith the casing and having channels opening therein, an operating stemhaving a lubricant reservoir therein and a cooperating tapered sealingsurface and channels openingtherein in constant communication with saidreservoir, the channels in the stem surface communicating with thechannels in the seat surface in certain positions and out ofcommunication therewith in other positions, there beingl lubricantgrooves in the seating surface of the plug and casing adapted to be incommunicationwith the casing surface channels in certain positions ofthe-plug.

9. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for flowof fluid and a seatl formed transversely of the passageway, a valve plugrotatably disposed in said seat, a tapered seating surface associatedwith the casing and having open lubricant channels therein disposedsubstantially diametrically opposite, one ofsaid channels having acircumferential branch cover- I ing an arc of less than 90, an operatingstem having a lubricant reservoir therein and a cooperating sealingsurface with open channels therein disposed substantially 120 apart,whereby in certain positions of the stem the grooves therein communicatewith the grooves in the surface,

and are out of communication therewith in other positions of the stem,there being lubricant grooves in the seating surface ofthe plug andcasing adapted to establish communication with the grooves in thetapered surface.

10. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for flowof fluid and a seat formed transversely of the passageway, a valve plugrotatably disposed in said seat, said casing forming a lubricant chamberwith the end of the plug, a tapered sealing surface associated with thecasing and having grooves therein communicating with said` lubricantchamber, a tapered operating stem having a lubricant reservoir thereinand a cooperating sealing surface with grooves therein in constantcommunication with said reservoir, the grooves in the stem surfacecommunicating in certain positions with the grooves in the casingsurface and being out of communication there-within other positions,there being lubricant grooves in the seating surface of the 'plug andcasing adapted to commuhicate'with the lubricant chamber when ,thegrooves of the ,stem and casin'g are in communication.'

stantially less than 90, a tapered operatingstem having a lubricantreservoir therein and grooves in the tapered surface substantially 120apart, there being a lost motion connection between the stem and plugwhereby the grooves in the stem surface may be moved into or out ofcommunication with the grooves in the tapered surface without rotationof the plug.

12. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for ow offluid and a seat formed transversely of .the passageway, a valve plugrotatably disposed in said seat, a tapered sealing surface associatedwith the casing, anoperating stemextending into a chamber in thecasing,a tapered seaiing surface on the stem bearing against the taperedsurface of the casing, a lubricant reservoir in the stem communicatingwith-the chamber in certain positions and out of communication with saidchamber in other positions, and means for developing pressure in thelubricant reservoir whereby lubricant pressure against the end of theoperating stem forces the stem into its seat. f.

13. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for flowof fluid and -a seat formed transversely of the passageway, a valve plugrotatably disposed in vsaidseat, a tapered sealing surface associatedwith the casing and having channels opening therein, an operating stemextending into a chamber in the casing and having a lubricant reservoirtherein, a cooperating tapered sealing surface and channels openingltherein in constant communication with said reservoir, the channels inthe stem surface communicating with the channels in the seat surface incertain positions, and out of communication therewith in otherpositions, and-means for developing pressure in the lubricant reservoirAwhereby lubricant pressure against the end of theoperating stem forcesthe stem into its seat by lubricant pressure in certain positionsthereof;

14. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough and atapered seat formed transversely of the passageway, a tapered valve plugrotatably disposed on said seat, resilient means for holding said plugon said seat, a bearing in said casing providing a sealing surface. @noperating stem in said bearing having a cooperating sealingsurface andseparate from the plug forrotating said plug, said stem having a lostmotion connection with said plug; and means for introducing lubricantunder pressure to said sealing surfaces to seal and release saidoperating stem, whereby the operating stem may be rotated to spread thelubricant over the bearing surface` to provide a seal prior to rotatingthe plug. y 15. .In a-plug'valve, a casing having a passagewaytherethrough and a tapered seat formed transversely of the passageway, atapered valve plug rotatably disposed on said seat, resilient means forholding said plug on said seat, a bearing in said casing adjacentone endand tapered outwardly, a tapered operating stem in said bearing forrotating said plug separate, therefrom and having a lost, motionconnection with said plug, and means for introducing lubricant underpressure to said tapered bearing to seal and release said operatingstem, whereby the operating stem may be rotated to spread the lubricantover the bearing surface to provide a seal prior to rotating the plug.

16. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough forflowof fluidand a tapered seat formed transversely of the passageway, atapered valve` plug rotatably disposed on said ing the plug on its seat,a tapered bore'in the casing communicating with said chamber to providea stem seat, a longitudinally movable operating stem having a taperedportion engaging said stem seat and extending into said chamber, anoperative connection between said plug and stem, said bore tapering invthe same direction as said tapered seat, there being a groove in theplane of the stem seating surface and means` in said stem for applyinglubricant under pressure to said groove and chamber. l

17. In a plug valve, a casing having a passage'- way therethrough foriiow of fluid and a tapered seat formed transversely of the passageway,a

tapered valve plug rotatably disposed on said seat and providing alubricant chamber adjacent one end thereof, said plug 'having grooves inits seating surface communicating with said chamber to provide asubstantially complete lubricant seal around the passageway in closedposition, resil- K ient means for holding the plug. on its seat, atapered bore'in the casing communicating with said chamber to provide astem seat, a longitudinally movable operating stem having a taperedportion engaging said stem seat and extending into said chamber, anoperative connection between said stem and plug, said bore tapering inthe same direction` as said tapered seat, there being a groove in the`plane of the stem seating surface and means in said stem for applyinglubricantunder pressure to said latter groove and chamber.

18. In a plug valve, a casing having a passageway therethrough for flowof uid and a tapered seat formed transversely of said passageway, atapered 'valve .plug rotatably disposed in said seat, a tapered sealingsurface associated withsaid casing and terminating adjacent to the smallend of said seat, said casing being formed to provide a lubricantchamber between said seat and said surface, a longitudinally movableoperatinglstem having a tapered portion engaging said surface `and apart extending into said chamber, a longitudinallyslidable drivingconnection between said stem part and said plug, said seat and saidsurface tapering in the same direction, means for applying lubricantunder pressure between said tapered stem portion and said sealingsurface to lubricate, seal and jack said stem, and means to supplylubricant under pressure to said chamber.

19. In a plug valve, a casing having a ev:gusano way therethrough foriiow of uid and a tapered seat formed transversely of said passageway, atapered valve plug rotatably disposed insaid seat, a tapered sealingsurface associated with said casing and terminating adjacent to thesmall end of said seat, said casing being formed to provide a lubricantchamber between said seat and said surface, lubricating groovesassociated with said plug and seat and communicable with said chamber toseal and lubricate said plus, a longitudinally movable operating stemhaving a tapered portion engaging said surface and a part extending intosaid chamber, a longitudinally slidable driving connection between saidstem part and said plug, said seat and said surface tapering in the samedirection-means for applying lubricant under pressure between saidtapered stem portion and said sealing surface to lubricate, seal andjack said stem, and means to supply lubricant under pressure to saidchamber to lubricate, seal and Jack said plug.

20. In combination with a-tapered plug vvalve vadapted for use underrelatively high pressure .transversely of the passageway, a taperedvalve plug rotatably disposed on said.seat, a sealing surface in saidcasing tapering towards the exterior thereof, aflubricant groove in saidsurface, a longitudinally movable operating stem separate from said-plugand adjacent to the small end thereof, an operative connection betweensaid plug and stem, said stem having a tapered portion cooperating withsaid sealing surface to prevent outward movement of said stem, resilientmeans including a body .of lubricant under` pressure for holding saidcooperating stem portion and sealing surface'togther, and means forapplying lubricant under pressure toseparate said surface and saidtapered portion and provide a seal therebetween.

SVEN J. NORDSTROM.

